Kelauni Cook has not lived in Pittsburgh long, yet she has made her mark as one of the city’s up and coming tech experts and brings that expertise to the latest Drinking Partners podcast. After attending a coding boot camp, Ms. Cook founded Black Tech Nation to help “gather, connect, and affect” Black tech professionals. Since then, her reach has expanded to Academy Pittsburgh Beta Builders – Pittsburgh’s first high school coding camp for minorities and girls. At the start of the podcast, Ms. Cook talks about the time that Day went Hollywood on her, which Ed finds unsurprising. A discussion about online privacy veers into unexpected territory and mixes real concerns with hilarious hypotheses that only Ed and Day can imagine. Ms. Cook holds her own with the Drinking Partners throughout which leads to several exchanges that will leave listeners laughing. No technology stone goes unturned in this enjoyable, energetic, and informative interview that highlights how well Ms. Cook has adapted to life in Pittsburgh and how well she adapts to the Drinking Partners follies. Catch Ed and Day this Saturday at Arcade Comedy Theater and find Kelauni at http://blacktechnation.com.
Award winning vocalist Anqwenique Wingfield hypnotizes the Drinking Partners with her captivating voice in the latest podcast release. From her opening greeting, Ed and Day fall silent as she enchants them with tales from her rise as one of Pittsburgh’s most talented classical singers and musical educators. After Ed tries to convince listeners of his own musical talent, Ms. Wingfield speaks passionately about arts in education and its significance and necessity for young students in building skills and confidence and opening new doors of opportunity. Midway through, Ms. Wingfield discusses BooM Concepts Studios, a program for artists and creative entrepreneurs to find resources and space to work. Tune in to this impassioned interview for a critical listen. Find more about Anqwenique Wingfield on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Anqwenique/. See the Drinking Partners live this Saturday at Comtra Theatre in Cranberry. Purchase tickets here: http://www.comtratheatre.org/2017-season/comedy-night/
Hop Culture, an online magazine for a “new generation of craft beer drinkers,” reaches millions of readers around the world by focusing on the evolving needs of the modern beer drinker. Kenny Gould, its Editor in Chief, joins the Drinking Partners in the newest release – a lighthearted, story-filled exchange. Like Hop Culture itself, the tales connect and spin from a common, alcohol-rich center. From Day commenting that margaritas taste like ham to Ed comparing the color of his sneakers to Day’s skin tone, the conversation surprises at every turn. Toward the closing minutes, Mr. Gould considers what might be the next trend in craft beer. His conclusion might surprise listeners. A fun listen, with lots of classic Drinking Partners moments. To read Hop Culture’s latest offerings, visit their website: https://www.hopculture.com.
In the opening moments, Brandon and Pat from Helltown Brewing, whose moniker reflects their Mount Pleasant 15666 zip code, gift the Drinking Partners with a special, cherry-infused stout that was aged in sherry casks for years. Next up, the men sample a hazy IPA, so new that the name has not been finalized, which leads the conversation into a more frenzied place. A discussion on the best footwear to brew in leads Ed to proclaim that he needs to learn how to rap, which he soon attempts. As with many Drinking Partners podcasts, the closing minutes offer confessions and stories, jokes and laughter. A fun listen that begins with information about brewing and concludes with foolery. To learn more about Helltown Brewing, visit: http://www.helltownbrewing.com.
The Drinking Partners welcome special guest and nationally touring comedian Myq Kaplan into the studio in this extensive, admission-filled interview. What follows is an exceptionally open exploration into Myq’s journey across the comedic world. From his early days in college to his comedy album specials, Mr. Kaplan reveals what it takes to make it to the national stage. Throughout the interview, one that is flavored with wit and wordplay, the men’s discussion does not slow as it covers topics from rap battles to comedy roasts and includes a detour that contains Game of Thrones spoilers. In the latter half, the comedians verge back into talk of craft and performance, highlighting the art of stand up comedy. However, the closing minutes let up on the brakes and allow the men to reflect on love and relationships without restraint. Find Myq Kaplan and his albums at www.myqkaplan.com. The Drinking Partners will be live at Comtra Theatre August 26.
Pitchwerks host Scot MacTaggart joins Day in the studio to guest host as the men welcome Josh Lucas, founder of Work Hard Pittsburgh and Academy Pittsburgh. In the opening minutes, Mr. Lucas explains how Work Hard launched and highlights its mission as a business cooperative and co-working space. With the self-admitted aim of preferring to “steal your talent instead of your money,” Josh promotes opportunities for those who might struggle to find them elsewhere. Listeners will hear how Work Hard is structured to benefit each member and embodies a shared wealth approach. Soon, the interview deepens as the group considers how to transform desires into reality, yet examines the effects of poverty on such a transformation. In the latter half of the podcast, a particular moving discussion develops around empathy, which will invoke self-evaluation and contemplation. A moving interview that is not afraid to explore human weakness while offering ideas for advancement and improvement. To learn more about Work Hard Pittsburgh, visit http://workhardpgh.com.
Where better to podcast live than from “an amusement park of beer where you go on different flavor rides?” The Drinking Partners visit Troeg’s Independent Brewing in Hershey, PA and act as excitedly as kids in a candy store. Brothers John and Chris Trogner founded the brewery in 1996 and join Ed and Day to discuss how Troeg’s began – from its early days as a local brewery to their progression through experimentation, hard work, and a “hop-forward” approach. What follows is a thoroughly informative and entertaining discussion in which the Trogners share beer and wisdom while offering an exclusive glimpse into their highly successful brewery. The group first samples the original Troegenator, a smooth, German-inspired Double Bock before moving onto a bourbon barrel-aged version, one that makes Day moan and mumble in appreciation and Ed to quip that Day has discovered his blackness. From there, they sip on Perpetual, a bold IPA that only came about after fifteen years and now has become the “lead dog.” The Nimble Giant, a Double IPA whose heft leads to a dramatic and hilarious conversation about burping (and other bodily functions), is next up before the Drinking Partners end with a Crimson Pistil, a summery berry brew that leaves them giddy and gleeful. A must listen podcast and unforgettable day trip for any who consider themselves a craft beer fan. For more information on Troeg’s, please visit: http://www.troegs.com.
One of Pittsburgh’s up and coming rappers, PK Delay, and Jacob Finch, freelance creator and manager, join Ed for a music-centric conversation in the latest Drinking Partners release. In the opening minutes, an introspective discussion centers around the evolving approach of rap artists, with a focus on how new, young rappers are redefining the game and making their own rules. From forming a closer connection to their fans to developing their own images, PK Delay explains how he and other young rappers are exploring new roads and paving their own ways to success. A deeply held belief in bringing a positive aspect to his music and to his fans motivates PK and drives the interview, which is highlighted by an in-depth back and forth between Ed and PK that examines every aspect of the Pittsburgh rap scene. To hear more from PK Delay, visit https://soundcloud.com/pk-delay.
From the opening segment, the latest Drinking Partners release is high on energy and action, with non-stop chatter and festivity as guest Walter Aguirre, owner of LA Taco food truck – which aims to introduce Latin American food into local communities – visits the studio. With moonshine and Hennessy in hand, Mr. Aguirre, who is also a digital marketer, shares tales and insight as he describes his experiences as a California transplant to suburban Pittsburgh. Ed provides the voice of abstinence while Day, Daniel (guest host from Grownup Human Comic People), and Walter sip boldly in true Drinking Partners fashion. The conversation swings like an out of control pendulum, from an analysis of Kanye West and the Kardashian curse to the neuroscience-based effects of watching World Star videos; each topic is scrutinized with a mix of hilarity and testosterone. In the waning moments of the podcast, the men contemplate on the universal subjects of life, work, and family, with a seriousness and sharpness that will make listeners pause. As Ed suggests, “You can live a lavish lifestyle, or you can have lavish relationships.” Of course, the discussion ends on a fantastically fun note as trap music gets analyzed, with Daniel offering an epic takedown. The latest podcast is a wild, weaving ride. Find where LA Taco truck will be next at lataco412.com
Comedian Gab Bonesso has listeners laughing within her first few moments as the latest Drinking Partners guest as she narrates her personal history in a wildly amusing manner. Dropping by the studio to promote her comedy album release, “Everyone’s Dead,” Ms. Bonesso’s enthusiastic energy and spunky passion inspires rapid-fire conversations and unrestrained admissions that are both hilarious and expository. Midway through, the interview deepens in both intensity and importance, as Gab describes how personal tragedy influences and affects her comedy. Part-confessional and part-performance, the segment is one of the most unforgettable moments in the history of the Drinking Partners. The trio’s chemistry builds as the podcast progresses, and jokes and quips are amplified by the group’s natural ease with each other. A fascinating listen with moments of intimacy and moments of mania. To download “Everyone’s Dead,” the first comedy release from Misra Records, visit https://gabbonesso.bandcamp.com. For information about Gab Bonesso’s live shows, visit http://gabbonesso.com.
Hyped up and loose lipped, the Drinking Partners welcome Jake Voelker, co-owner at Voodoo Brewery in Homestead, into the studio for this dashing and revealing interview. In the opening half, the trio discusses the success that Voodoo Brewery has enjoyed as an employee-owned company, one in which each worker in invested and devoted. At the midway point, Ed and Day take a pause from their merry musings to sample blonde ale Venti, a newly released, canned beer with limited availability. Beer aficionados will enjoy Mr. Voelker explaining the process behind canning and the details that go into creating their artisan-crafted lines. A comprehensive conversation continues as the men examine the effects of small, local business on a recovering community. The podcast plays like a tribute to craft beer, with Ed and Day entertainingly reflecting on their own love affairs with good beer while Jake Voelker schools them on what happens behind the brewing scenes. Be sure to check out Voodoo’s newest offering: a pinball arcade at its Homestead location.
In the studio that has been outfitted much like a buffet, with a vast spread of Pennsylvania food and liquor, the founding women of Farm to Table introduce the Drinking partners to a locally-sourced feast. Erin Hart and Mary Hagan enthusiastically explain how Farm to Table helps connect consumers with local farms and explain how healthy eating starts with understanding the origins of food sources. Intermixed with advice and information are wild stories from Ed and Day, including the revelation that Ed pees sitting down and hopes to inspire a trending hashtag: #isitwithbailey. With sharp discourse and impassioned words from Ed, the podcast is fast and familiar, just as you would expect from a Drinking Partners-hosted event. Farm to Table’s next event, Growing Roots for Healthy Communities, will be held on March 24-25 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center; to buy tickets, visit https://farmtotablepa.com.
Tom Marshall from Full Pint Brewing, creators of the Drinking Partners-inspired, cognac-based Hundo ale, joins Ed and Day in the studio with special guest Chris Boles from Redfish Bowl, a Pittsburgh-based art collective that unites artists across mediums and showcases the diverse art scene. The two have teamed up for Living Color, a collaboration beer that provides financial support to local artists. The interview offers an in-depth discussion that craft beer lovers will appreciate, from brewing to marketing, and all steps in between. As with most Drinking Partners podcasts, the conversation often diverges, touching upon subjects that are political and personal, legal and illegal, yet wholly focused on community initiatives. In the closing minutes, the men get reflective, calmly and profoundly speaking about national affairs and events with a contagious optimism. Both Hundo and Living Color are currently available from Full Pint Brewing.
Tom Marshall from Full Pint Brewing, creators of the Drinking Partners-inspired, cognac-based Hundo ale, joins Ed and Day in the studio with special guest Chris Boles from Redfish Bowl, a Pittsburgh-based art collective that unites artists across mediums and showcases the diverse art scene. The two have teamed up for Living Color, a collaboration beer that provides financial support to local artists. The interview offers an in-depth discussion that craft beer lovers will appreciate, from brewing to marketing, and all steps in between. As with most Drinking Partners podcasts, the conversation often diverges, touching upon subjects that are political and personal, legal and illegal, yet wholly focused on community initiatives. In the closing minutes, the men get reflective, calmly and profoundly speaking about national affairs and events with a contagious optimism. Both Hundo and Living Color are currently available from Full Pint Brewing.
Fresh off being voted the top podcast in Pittsburgh (City Paper Best of Pittsburgh 2016), the Drinking Partners get back to business by welcoming Pittsburgh Brewtal Fest organizers Meg and James Evans for a thoroughly enjoyable conversation. Cheerful and entertaining from the opening minutes, the interview offers an hour of amusing tales intermixed with the ideas behind Pittsburgh Brewtal Fest, a music and beer festival and collaboration between local breweries and bands. The conversation serves as a lesson in music for Ed, who blames his mom for “not ever putting him to sleep with metal.” Stay alert and be rewarded with Ed’s wildly fantastic impersonation of Missy Elliot and an outrageously memorable series of jokes following it. For more fun and to sample four, specially crafted, band-inspired beers only available at the festival, visit Pittsburgh Brewtal Fest on November 6 at Spirit Lodge in Lawrenceville.
For more information or to buy tickets here: http://www.pghbrewtalfest.com
The Drinking Partners find themselves serene and tranquil after an hour spent at Levity – an out of this world float studio located in Pittsburgh. Or, as Ed teases, “Day went into that deprivation tank a black man and came out a hippie.” Live after a session submerged in Epsom salt and ten inches of water, the Drinking Partners welcome Levity owner Dave Rapach, who explains the process behind the sensory, gravity-defying experience. A thorough and unguarded interview follows, with Ed and Day showing a newfound vulnerability and bliss. But even their relaxed states do not lessen their amusement, as they joke and jibe with Mr. Rapach. A fantastic listen, made even more enjoyable by the Drinking Partners openness and contagious delight. Visit Levity at 2635 Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill or schedule a float session at www.floatlevity.com.
Cultural revolutionaries Thomas Agnew and D.S. Kinsel, founding members of Jenesis Magazine and the creative workspace Boom Concepts, chat with the Drinking Partners in this energetic, enlightening, and uplifting interview. As important influencers and voices in the urban community, Mr. Agnew and Mr. Kinsel share the stories of their successes, imparting wisdom and advice as they encourage, support, and shape upcoming artists across multiple platforms. The episode is a must-listen for any Pittsburgh-based creator, as the men offer a grassroots education on how to sustain and prosper as independent artists. Boom Concepts serves as an all-welcoming performance center and studio for locally crafted art and music and is the home base for Jenesis Magazine, a free, online publication featuring local and national news and updates. Midway through, Mr. Agnew and Mr. Kinsel detail the essential steps necessary to transition one’s artistic creation into a profitable product. The podcast provides an hour of instruction and guidance and offers a rare and memorable collaboration with some of Pittsburgh’s most important artistic advocates.
After the extraordinary debut of Alex Stypula’s dark comedy web series, The Hard Dentist, in front of a packed house at Rowhouse Theater, the Drinking Partners host a live podcast with the cast. Co-star Laurie Bolewitz joins Mr. Stypula, who also released his comedy album, Dolphins are Garbage, and the duo discusses the creation of and the inspiration behind The Hard Dentist. With an energized crowd listening, Ms. Bolewitz and Mr. Stypula share the process behind producing a web series, although the interview often leans left into a fun and fantastically strange world. Intermixed with dental humor and spoilers is an engaging and dynamic interaction, one that is swift and gripping. From an animated conversation about flossing to a politically incorrect debate between Ed and Day, the flow weaves between tongue-in-cheek and outrageous, but keeps the live crowd laughing at all times. Much like the outlandish and highly entertaining satirical web series, the podcast will not disappoint.
View the pilot episode of The Hard Dentist on the Unplanned Comedy YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEYaRbDCdL4
In this after-midnight podcast, the Drinking Partners welcome Pittsburgh Comedy Festival headliner Quincy Jones into the studio, with a live studio audience and a party-like atmosphere. Weeks after his HBO special Burning the Light aired, Mr. Jones entertains and enthralls Ed, Day, and everyone listening with tales that extend far beyond his cancer diagnosis. New York-based comic Norlex Belma sits in as well, and the foursome’s chemistry and interactions play better than many sitcoms. Flashy and fast, the men waste no time verbally sparring with jabs and taunts, as Day’s hot pink shirt serves as comedic inspiration for an unforgettable rant from Mr. Jones. Ed does not escape the roasting fire either, with Mr. Jones deconstructs his gym routine and “African definition and action-figure cut.” There is never a dull moment in what might be one of the Drinking Partners top podcasts to date. Toward the latter half, Mr. Jones shares his experiences of recording and promoting his HBO special, offering an intimate and realistic look into the life of a nationally-touring headliner with a cancer diagnosis. A must-listen podcast that is hilarious and poignant, intimately personal, yet widely entertaining.
Already rowdy after a few beers, the Drinking Partners merrily welcome Drip Lounge owner and fouronetube co-founder, Matt Thornton, and waste no time getting loose-lipped. After a quarter-hour of jokes, the trio delves deeper, exploring their childhood transgressions and the process of evolving out of the difficult cycle of poverty and crime. Mr. Thornton shares his story of overcoming addiction, and, now, owns a successful vape shop that hosts live entertainment on a weekly basis. Toward the end of the interview, the men discuss comedy, rap, and religion, with equal amounts of passion and humor for each topic. An episode that is at time hilarious, philosophical, and inspirational.
Ed offers some fashion advice before the Drinking Partners welcome repeat guest Alex Stypula, who stops by the studio to promote his upcoming comedy album Dolphins are Garbage. The trio of comedians quickly delves into the process of joke writing, with Mr. Stypula offering an introspective and interesting angle into the world of dark comedy. In an episode that is most assuredly not safe for work, the jokes are many and sometimes strange, but it is impossible not to laugh throughout this animal-influenced interview. Catch Alex on stage at the Pittsburgh Comedy Festival on Friday, August 26 or touring with the Race to the Coffin comedy troupe. Dolphins are Garbage will be released September 23 after a live web series screening at Row House Cinema. Find tickets at the Row House website (www.rowhousecinema.com).
In the opening minutes of the latest podcast, the Drinking Partners hilariously ponder if any of their listeners are churchgoing. During a particularly rowdy dialogue, Ed directly addresses Jesus, “You created a lot of this, fam. You gonna make the coolest shit illegal.” Appropriately enough, the Drinking Partners soon welcome drinking peer and host of the Should I Drink That podcast, Doug Derda. As host of one of the longest-running podcasts on craft beer, Mr. Derda offers a veteran view of the scene and shares tales of his experiences. The interview that follows shows how Should I Drink That paved the way for the Drinking Partners themselves. A must-listen for devoted craft beer drinkers, as two titans of beer podcasts join and discuss all angles of the culture, with amusing moments from beginning to end.
After an upbeat introduction, the Drinking Partners shift into a thoughtful and reflective discussion on the current judicial system and the inherent flaws of it. For the first time on air, Ed and Day discuss the Black Lives Matter movement and encourage listeners to engage in meaningful dialogue with the duo via Twitter (@daybracey, @edbaileycomedy, @partnerspod). Local, urban artist Durty Art soon joins and explores the concept of creating art as therapy. Influenced by early Hip Hop, Durty Art brings a musical and multilayered style to many of his works. During the interview, he explains his influences, his history with fan art, and his future focusing on limited prints. In the rapid-fire segment, Durty Art answers the Drinking Partners’ questions with ease and honesty, and the podcast concludes with a positive vibe. A compelling listen with a memorable thirty minutes of political and social commentary.
Ed Latimore, professional boxer and physicist-in-training, joins the Drinking Partners to ponder and muse as only a modern-day Renaissance man can. Recently signed to Roc Nation Sports, Mr. Latimore, or “Black Magic,” as he is known in the ring, remains undefeated in his professional career (13-0) and offers a rare perspective in this captivating interview. The podcast begins with Mr. Latimore’s examination of how understanding the science of movement impacts his approach to boxing. As both an intellect and a fighter, he converses with the Drinking Partners with a swift wit and a sharp style, as tales from the ring are mixed with Drinking Partners-style jesting banter. At times playful and at times introspective, the interview is a fast and furiously engaging hour.
In this live podcast from Rock Bottom Pittsburgh, the Drinking Partners welcome Rock Bottom’s brewer Meg Evans and Dave Cerminara from Apis Meadery, who share their recent collaboration, a blueberry-infused braggot, a centuries-old drink that combines mead and beer. A large and lively crowd listens in as Ed and Day attempt (and mostly fail) to keep their questions and jokes family-friendly. Soon, all bets are off as Ms. Evans, one of only a handful of female brewers, opens the taps and offers all of Rock Bottom’s selections. It’s nearly impossible to guess who enjoys this live podcast the most: the Drinking Partners, the brewers, or the guests at Rock Bottom. The highly interactive and bustling crowd chimes in often, with zingers that impress even the two comedians. Brewing since 2001, Rock Bottom Pittsburgh has come close to mastering the craft, yet remains welcoming and fun, much like its head brewer, Ms. Evans. This podcast is ninety minutes of energy, entertainment, and information, a treat for the listeners, but even moreso for those lucky enough to have been in attendance.